The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　Darke smiled and said, “We can always find the books we want in the library, but it takes a little patience and luck. After the Sorting Ceremony tomorrow, you won’t need me to lead the way and you can freely enter the library. Also, this is the library’s reading room. When I was a freshman, I always did my homework in the reading room.”

　Evan Pearson asked, "Why is it that first and second graders don't need to study in the library anymore?"

　Dark shook his head and said, "In the second year, most students have found other places to go."

　"Where to?" Evan Pearson asked.

　Dark said, "In our college, students can join clubs starting from their second year, and they usually spend time in clubs for activities or studying after class."

　Evan Pearson pondered, "Does your college have a lot of club activities?"

　Dark said, "I can only say that there are all sorts of clubs. What, your college doesn't have any clubs?"

　Evan Pearson shook his head and said, "No, that's not it. But the clubs in our college are all formed by professors and are semi-official organizations. Even if you go to a club after class, you must continue to learn the relevant knowledge and skills within the club."

　After a moment's thought, Darke said with understanding, "I see. It's more like an interest group than a club. Our academy's clubs aren't bound by these kinds of restrictions. If you'd like, I can ask Professor Sylph to let you temporarily choose a club to join."

　Evan Pearson nodded and said, "I'll consider it."

　Dark turned to Audrey Jeanne and said, "While first-year students cannot join clubs, I can apply on Jeanne's behalf if she wishes."

　Audrey Joan slowly shook her head.

　Jessie Louisa said, "Lady Joan of Arc is not interested in the club; if possible, she would like to be free to move around."

　Dark laughed, "Of course, no problem. But if you're interested in magic duels, don't forget the opening of the 'Golden Cup' main tournament this afternoon."

　"The Golden Cup? What time is it in the afternoon?" Jesse Louisa asked. Darke replied, "Entry is at 1:30, opening ceremony at 2:00."

　Jesse Louisa nodded and said, "We'll go if we have time."

　After saying that, she quickly caught up with Audrey and headed towards the rows of bookshelves.

　So now only Dark and the "Holy Son" remained. Dark said, "Pearson, what about you?"

　Evan Pearson said, "I've heard that St. Marian Academy holds a Silver Cup for lower-year students and a Gold Cup for upper-year students every year. But I don't know the specific details. Could you tell me more?"

　“Of course.” Darke smiled and briefly explained the details of the Golden Cup.

　Evan Pearson nodded and said, "I see. So, those who can enter the Golden Cup main tournament are the sixteen strongest players in the entire academy."

　Dark shook his head and said, "That's obviously not the case. Although the ranking rewards of the Gold Cup are generous, for some people, the time and effort spent on it are still not commensurate with the rewards. Most people participate in the Gold Cup to gain experience, test what they have learned, or because they enjoy dueling. It is a regular tournament similar to a practice match. In other words, there are quite a few strong individuals who do not participate in the Gold Cup. Of course, those who can enter the top sixteen are not weak."

　Evan Pearson said knowingly, "I see. Although they are not the strongest sixteen in the strictest sense, they are definitely among the top ranks. I will challenge them one by one over the next month."

　Dark: (0o0)

　Evan Pearson maintained his indifferent expression and said, "My purpose in coming here is to defeat all the strong individuals in this academy."

　Dark: "Oh, oh, oh."

　Evan Pearson looked at him and said, "What, you think I'm overestimating myself?"

　Dark laughed and said, "How can there be such a thing as 'where there's a will, there's a way'?" Evan Pearson shook his head and said, "I will always stand at the top." Dark looked up at Tommy Smith behind Evan Pearson and saw that he also looked serious, so he realized that this Holy Son was probably serious.

　Since he was so serious, Dak, as a hospitable host, couldn't say anything and just smiled and watched.

　Evan Pearson added, "Now that I'm at the library, I'll go and see what books are in there."

　Dark asked, "Do you know where the Duel Arena is?" Evan Pearson replied, "Of course."

　Dark nodded and said, "In that case, I will leave for a while and meet you in the open-air dueling arena later this afternoon. Have a good time."

　"You're busy," Evan Pearson said. "Of course I have things to do," Darke replied. "What are they?" Evan Pearson asked.

　Dark smiled: "Preparing for the main event of the Gold Cup."

　Although Evan Pearson's face clearly showed surprise, Dark had finally settled these people in and naturally couldn't linger any longer.

　Before Evan Pearson could think of anything to say, he quickly left with Aurora and was out of the library in the blink of an eye.

　"It's finally over. I'm exhausted."

　Dak rubbed his cheeks vigorously, softening them as they became stiff from trying to maintain his "smile".

　Then he turned to Aurora and said, "You've been a great help today. You don't need to come along anymore."

　Aurora asked, "Are you coming again this afternoon?"

　Dark shook his head and said, "No need. Those two can't cause any trouble." Aurora nodded and said, "Then I'll go back first. I haven't finished my homework this week."

　Dark said, "Thank you for your help."

　Aurora said, "It's no trouble at all. Just call me next time you need anything. I'll come to the dueling arena to cheer you on when the Gold Cup opens."

　Dark laughed, "Don't put any more pressure on us. Just hope we don't get eliminated in the first round." Aurora nodded and smiled, "We definitely won't."

　The two then parted ways at a certain point. Aurora headed towards the tower of the House of Nobles.

　Meanwhile, Dark went to Professor Sylph's office.

　He had seen Professor Sylph earlier in the cafeteria, so she must have finished her meal.

　However, when he knocked on the door and entered, he found that there was another little Lily in the office.

　Lily lay sprawled on the sofa, fiddling with a notebook-shaped prop in her hand. "Professor Lily's here too," Dark said, closing the door behind him and glancing at her.

　"Hey, don't block my way!" Lily pushed his face away.

　But Dark had already seen it clearly.

　The prop... unexpectedly, was something that resembled a tablet computer.

　But Lily wasn't playing a game, and there wasn't such a program in it. She was... spying!

　Although the word "voyeur" is not nice, it is true.

　The image displayed on the screen was of Audrey Joan of Arc, the "Saint," flipping through a book in a library.

　"How did you do that?" Dark asked.

　Professor Lily said, "I released a few little fairies."

　Dark said, "Is that all? I thought it was a transformation of information obtained after connecting with the barrier."

　Professor Lily said, "That falls under Kazel's research area, and I have no interest in mocking it."

　Ultimately, since it is possible to use the "College Card" to transmit text information within the college's boundaries...

　Similarly, it should also be able to transmit image information. The only issues are the barrier's carrying capacity or the fact that it hasn't been specialized in this area and needs improvement.

　Or perhaps due to certain security considerations, further development is not possible. Dak suddenly had an idea: "What if we could set up another barrier inside the existing barrier? Wouldn't that allow for arbitrary experimentation and improvement? However, there are also concerns about technology and resources."

　"What are you thinking about?" Lily looked up and asked.

　Dark snapped out of his daze and said, "Nothing. When did you start spying?"

　"It's not spying, it's surveillance!" Lily corrected forcefully.

　“Alright, surveillance,” Dark said, shrugging. “Any results?”

　Professor Lily said, "This generation's Joan of Arc is quite adorable too." Darke: " "

　"Dark, have you found anything?" Professor Sylph asked from behind her desk.

　Dark walked over and said, "Not much information. The 'Saintess' is quite ordinary, and doesn't seem to have any ulterior motives; she's like an exchange student here to study normally. The 'Saintess,' however, has shown a very clear purpose: he wants to replace Vittoria as the 'Hero.' As for Archbishop Caleb Norris, he's at least partly here because of me."

　Professor Sylph nodded and said, "He's been noticing you for a long time."

　Dark asked, "How early is 'very early'?"

　Professor Sylph said, "Probably when your magical spirit reveals its heroic qualities."

　"Another 'Hero'?" Dark laughed. "It seems the Holy Church is paying a lot of attention to 'Heroes.' Would choosing Viter as an exchange student be like sending lambs to the slaughter?"

　Professor Sylph shook her head and said, "This is a necessary test for Witt. As for what the Holy Church wants to get from him, and what they can get from him, that depends on their own abilities."

　Dark laughed and said, "The Holy Church should be very clear about Witt's bloodline."

　Professor Sylph said, "At least Norris certainly knows. However, they won't make an issue of it, and will even try to cover it up. After all, from their perspective, it's a fatal stain on the reputation of the 'Hero.' It would damage the image of the 'Hero' that they've worked so hard to cultivate. Moreover, they already know that Ophelia is with us. This time, Bishop Norris came in person to discuss this matter. We can use this opportunity to exchange for Hephaestus's freedom."

　Dark said, "Then I'll leave it to you, Professor."

　Professor Sylph said, "That being said, these are only the surface purposes. There are deeper purposes to be uncovered."

　Dark: "Hmm. Then I'll have to trouble you, Professor."

　Professor Sylph: "So, Dark, you need to keep up the good work." Dark: "Heh."

　Professor Sylph: "Good luck, I believe in you."

　In preparation for the Gold Cup knockout stage, Dark left Professor Sylph's office after giving his report.

　But as soon as he returned to the tower of the House of Nobles, he was caught by the second-year students who were waiting in the common room.

　The second-year students surrounded him, pressing him for news about the Holy Son and Holy Daughter. They were all indignant, especially at the Holy Son's "arrogance and domineering attitude."

　Despite their poor relationship with the Knights' Academy and their frequent mockery of Witte after his defeat, they all sided with Witte after the Holy Son defeated him.

　It's clear they were very united in dealing with external enemies. While dealing with his classmates' questions, Dark inadvertently revealed the [Holy Son's] declaration to defeat all the strong in the academy and replace Vit as the true "Hero."

　The second-year students of the Noble Academy were immediately aroused and clamored to challenge him to a duel.

　Dark quickly stopped them, emphasizing, "Friendly, friendly! Exchange, exchange!"

　Doron said with a serious expression, "It seems we need to have a serious talk with him."

　Just when Dark thought he was about to challenge the Holy Son to a duel, he suddenly said, "It's a pity that none of the sixth-year students are here."

　So Dak suggested, "I've heard that Edwin Clarissa, a fifth-grader, is really good."

　Doron said dejectedly, "But that's our club president." Darke laughed, "Then why don't you go yourself?" Doron said, "We watched his duel; it was very difficult."

　Dark shook his head and corrected him again, "Friendship first, competition second. Or are you just afraid of losing?"

　… -

Chapter 870 What to do when you accidentally become the target of everyone's criticism (4k)

　Of course, Dorgon is not afraid of losing.

　Even if they're afraid of losing, they certainly wouldn't admit it.

　So when Dark used a little bit of reverse psychology, Doron rallied and prepared to have a good talk with the "holy son".

　Of course, he wasn't the type to rush in and act recklessly. He always conducted research before engaging in any communication.

　Given the personality that the "holy son" has shown so far, the probability that he would refuse a challenge is actually quite low.

　In that case, they could even use a rotation strategy... no, it can't be called a rotation strategy, it's called "collective exchange".

　For the students here, having this opportunity for "exchange" is actually very rare.

　If they are not afraid of failure, they will surely be able to learn a lot from that "holy son".

　In short, we must always find a way to tether Evan Pearson and prevent him from moving freely without any constraints.

　As for the "Saintess" side... naturally, someone else will take care of her.

　After dealing with Doron and the others, Darke finally managed to extricate himself and successfully return to his dormitory.

　Next, we should naturally focus our attention on the "Golden Cup" main event that will be held today.

　After noon.

　The students of St. Mary's College, whose attention had been drawn to the exchange students from the Holy Mystic Academy, seemed to finally remember that today was the opening day of the "Golden Cup" main tournament.

　The topic of the "Golden Cup" gradually gained momentum, and students began to discuss it again.

　The atmosphere among spectators gradually heated up in the afternoon.

　Anyone who could spare the time was already preparing to head to the open-air duel arena. By 1:30 p.m., people were gradually entering the open-air duel arena.

　Meanwhile, the St. Marian Duel venues around the world have also opened to the public, and spectators who have pre-purchased tickets are flocking in, all quite excited.

　With the Gold Cup main event today and the Easter Duel Festival the day after tomorrow, this weekend is truly a feast for duel enthusiasts.

　Alvit and Claire, taking time out of their busy schedules, visited the Duel Hall in the capital after a long absence.

　However, today, besides the two of them, only Ollie, who was serving by their side, came along.

　Even the two of them didn't plan to stay here for long.

　After watching the opening ceremony, if the show at Dak is scheduled for a later date, they might have to go out again and come back later.

　But once they entered the dueling hall, they started talking about things unrelated to the dueling.